Lockhartia longifolia

Also known as: The Long or Lockhartia platyglossa Lockhartia hologlossa Lockhartia unicornis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Amazonas - Colombia Amazonas - Peru Departamento del Huila - Colombia Provincia de Cotopaxi - Ecuador Provincia de Loja - Ecuador

General Information

The Long is a small to medium sized sympodial cool to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia, Peru and Ecuador.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous erect lance shaped leaves that grow to 0.5-6.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 30-50cm

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 18mm to 173mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 60% to 81%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 13C to 28C, highest in February (14C to 28C) and lowest in January (13C to 26C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

This plant does well mounted.